Monday, December 3, 2018

San Antonio's Joaquin Castro Ascends to Another Washington Power Position

Joaquin Castro speaks at a recent immigration-reform rally, surrounded by his family and local faith leaders.

San Antonio U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro has been elected chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, taking over as the group's membership swells to its largest in history.

When the next Congress convenes in January, the CHC will have 31 members — two in the Senate and 29 in the House. The caucus selected new leadership Friday, allowing Castro, a Democrat, to ascend from first vice chair to chairman.

In a statement, Castro said a comprehensive immigration overhaul is the caucus' top priority. However, it also will work to erase educational barriers, boost the minimum wage and increase diversity, among other policy goals.

“We will also continue holding the [Trump] administration accountable for their failed handling of Hurricane Maria, and dishonest efforts to add a citizenship question to the census,” Castro said.